Table of Contents
- Why Sébastien Lecornu Stepped Down
- Macron’s Mounting Leadership Crisis
- How Fast Did This Government Fall?
- French Public Reacts with Frustration
- What Happens Next for France?
- Sources
France’s Defense Minister Quits Amid Deepening Chaos
In a dramatic turn that has stunned Paris and Brussels alike, French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu submitted his resignation on Tuesday, October 7, 2025—triggering what analysts are calling the fastest collapse yet of President Emmanuel Macron’s increasingly fragile government.
Lecornu, once seen as a rising star in Macron’s Renaissance party and a key architect of France’s military modernization, cited “irreconcilable differences over national strategy” in his resignation letter. Though he didn’t name names, insiders say tensions had been boiling over budget cuts, NATO commitments, and Macron’s handling of domestic unrest.
Macron’s Leadership Under Fire
The France government turmoil now reaches a boiling point. With Lecornu’s exit, Macron loses his third high-profile cabinet member in six months. The president, who once promised “a new way” of governing, now faces accusations of aloofness, erratic policymaking, and a disconnect from everyday French citizens.
Opposition leaders from both the far right and far left have seized the moment. Marine Le Pen called the resignation “the inevitable result of a president who governs like a CEO, not a statesman.” Jean-Luc Mélenchon added, “This isn’t a government—it’s a revolving door.”
Record-Breaking Instability: A Timeline
This latest collapse is notable not just for who left—but how quickly it happened. The current government, formed just 87 days ago, is now effectively nonfunctional. That makes it the shortest-lived French government since the Fifth Republic was established in 1958.
| Government | Duration | Key Reason for Collapse |
|---|---|---|
| Borne Government (2022–2024) | 628 days | Pension reform protests |
| Attal Government (2024) | 192 days | Parliamentary deadlock |
| Lecornu-Era Cabinet (2025) | 87 days | Defense minister resignation |
Public Trust Erodes Further
According to a new Ifop poll released Tuesday evening, Macron’s approval rating has plummeted to 29%—its lowest since his 2017 election. More alarmingly, 68% of respondents said they believe “France is heading in the wrong direction.”
Street protests have already begun in Lyon and Marseille, with demonstrators chanting “Macron démission!” (Macron resign!). Even traditionally centrist voters are expressing disillusionment. “We voted for change, not chaos,” said Claire Dubois, a teacher in Bordeaux.
What Happens Next for France?
Constitutionally, Macron has three options: appoint a new prime minister and reshuffle the cabinet, dissolve the National Assembly and call snap elections, or attempt to govern via decree—a move that would likely spark massive backlash.
Political analysts say the president is trapped. A new election could hand power to the far right. A reshuffle may not restore credibility. And governing without parliament is legally fraught.
“This isn’t just a political crisis—it’s a crisis of legitimacy,” said Dr. Amélie Laurent, a professor of European governance at Sciences Po. “Macron built his brand on competence and stability. Both are now in question.”
As Europe watches nervously—France holds the EU Council presidency in early 2026—the stakes couldn’t be higher. For now, the France government turmoil shows no signs of easing.
